5 of the Best Period Underwear for Heavy Flow

black period underwear

If you’re one of the millions of individuals who are greeted by Auntie Flow each month, there’s a good chance that you rely on tampons or sanitary pads to manage your menstrual cycle. But what if we told you that there was another way — would you be interested? We thought so. 

In this article, we’re diving into the beautiful world of menstruation to uncover all there is to know about period underwear — an innovative new product that’s revolutionizing the way people tackle their periods. We’ll also go over five of the best period underwear for heavy flow.  

So if you’re looking to ditch traditional products for an alternative that’s both comfortable and healthy — keep reading. 

Here’s What You Need to Know About Period Underwear

First things first, what exactly is period underwear anyway?

What Is Period Underwear?

Period underwear is a revolutionary new way to manage your period in a safe, healthy, and comfortable manner. These increasingly popular garments are designed with special fabric technology that helps to absorb menstrual flow and protect delicate fabrics from staining. With period underwear, you no longer have to worry about leakage or mess – it's just like wearing regular underwear but with extra protection!

Unlike traditional sanitary pads and tampons, period underwear can be worn for up to 12 hours without needing to change them. This means fewer trips to the bathroom during those light-to-heavy flow days and more time enjoying the activities you love. 

Plus, period underwear isn’t only for periods: they’re a helpful tool for people who experience incontinence, which is often associated with the postpartum period, amongst others. And unlike other menstrual products like regular tampons, pads, and menstrual cups, period underwear can help with this common complaint. 

We should note that getting used to wearing period underwear might take some time, but once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to go back! Period undies are softer on the skin than pads or tampons and come in a variety of styles and absorbances, so you can find the pair that best suits your needs. 

What Are the Benefits of Period Underwear?

Period underwear is a relatively new concept in the realm of menstrual health and hygiene, but it has quickly become one of the most popular products for menstruators worldwide. This revolutionary new product not only offers protection against leaks and spills but also offers an array of additional benefits that make it a great choice for anyone looking to take charge of her menstrual health.

Here are just a few of the many advantages of this type of underwear:

Benefit #1: Comfort

Period underwear offers a comfortable and discreet alternative to bulky pads and tampons. Because they are made from soft, breathable fabric that moves with your body, you can feel secure and comfortable throughout your cycle. Plus, there’s no uncomfortable bulk or irritation caused by traditional feminine hygiene products. 

Benefit #2: Eco-friendly

Since period underwear can be worn multiple times before needing to be washed, they provide an eco-friendly option compared to disposable period products like pads and tampons, which often end up in landfills or oceans.

It's estimated that over 12 billion sanitary pads and seven billion tampons are disposed of each year — and that’s just in the United States! By switching to reusable period underwear, you can contribute to reducing single-use plastic waste and also save money in the long run. 

Benefit #3: Aesthetic Appeal

Period underwear comes in a variety of styles, colors, fabrics, and sizes so that you can select the perfect pair that fits your aesthetic needs while providing reliable protection against leaks and spills during your monthly cycle.

Benefit #4: Improved Hygiene 

Period underwear is designed with moisture-wicking capabilities, which helps keep you drier for longer stretches of time than traditional pads or tampons might provide on their own.

As an additional bonus, some product designs include built-in antibacterial features that help reduce odors associated with menstruation cycles and control bacterial growth caused by sweat or humidity. 

Benefit #5: Versatility

One major benefit offered by period underwear is its versatility — this product can be used alone as a stand-alone menstrual hygiene solution or combined with other forms of protection like pads or tampons, depending on the flow rate experienced during each cycle day.

This allows users to customize how they handle their periods each month according to their individual needs without having to worry about spending too much money on extra supplies like liners or backup protection products such as panty liners and shields. 

Benefit #6: Cost-Effective

While buying a few pairs of period panties may seem expensive at first, over time, you'll find that it pays for itself due to its reusability and long-lasting durability compared to traditional disposable products like pads and tampons.

Disposable products have a limited lifespan before needing replacing again. This means that with one purchase, you get months' worth of protection — making them highly cost-effective in the long run.

Benefit #7: Convenient 

Lastly, one of the most significant advantages of using period underwear is its convenience factor — no more running out of tampons or packing extra pads when traveling!

Many styles come in multipacks so that you always have an extra pair on hand when needed. They don't take up much space either — so they're perfect for carrying around in your bag or pocket wherever you go.

How To Find Period Underwear for Heavy Flow

Finding the right period underwear for heavier flow days is just as important as finding your go-to pair of leggings

Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the ultimate pair of period underwear for heavy flow:

Consider Different Absorbency

Everyone’s menstruation story is different— from the first time they get one to how heavy the bleeding is. The heaviest days tend to be at the front end, usually in the first two days.

On those days, you could experience heavy to medium flow. Outside of that time, you might not need as much protection, and your leakproof thong is totally up to the challenge. One way to know is to check the coloring of the menstrual blood: Red blood indicates a heavier flow, while pink or brown indicates the flow is slowing. 

Many underwear brands offer high-absorbency designs specifically made for people with a heavy flow. These styles feature higher absorbency levels and thicker materials that provide more protection against menstrual and bladder leaks.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Do you lead a busy or active lifestyle? If so, look for styles that keep up with you. Look for features such as moisture-wicking fabrics and odor-blocking technologies designed to keep you feeling comfortable and dry no matter what.

Choose the Right Size

Make sure that you get a pair of period underwear that fits properly for maximum protection against leaks. If your underwear is too small, it won't be able to absorb as much fluid as you need it to. Additionally, if your underwear is too big, there may be gaps, which may lead to leakage, especially on heavy days. 

To find your ideal size that can support you even on the heaviest days, make sure to check the size chart for every brand you look at — they can all be a tad different. (At TomboyX, our period underwear comes in a size range of 3XS to 6XL.)

The Best Menstrual Underwear for Heavy Flow

Now that you’re up to speed on all things period underwear, let’s go over the best ones for a heavy (and light flow), shall we?

Although there are many, let’s stroll down the metaphorical shopping aisle to look at some of our favorites:

Trunks

Trunks are a modern twist on the classic briefs, offering more length and coverage. They are cut with a low-rise waistband but extend down to around mid-thigh in the back — making them great for wearing under loose or longer clothes. They give off the vibe of boyshorts — a totally gender-neutral style we adore.  

Boxer Briefs

The First Line Leakproof 9" Boxer Briefs feature a snug fit aided by a floating gusset that can accommodate a pad with wings when you need something super absorbent. 

This full-coverage option might be your new sleep shorts during your heavy-flow nights.

High-Waisted

For maximum coverage and protection, high-waisted underwear is the way to go. With their snug fit and thick material, you can rest assured that your heavy flow days will be no problem. 

Bikini

No, not the swimwear: Bikini-style period underwear offers the ultimate balance between coverage and comfort. They provide more coverage than thongs, with a waistband that sits slightly higher on your hips.

You can also find them in any material —from soft microfiber to lace and mesh — but if you’re looking for a pair to wear during a heavy flow, opt for extra absorbent fabrics like our OEKO-TEX Certified cotton

Hipster 

Want something with a bit more coverage? Try hipster underwear. While still cheeky, the higher fit and increased frontal coverage make these undies a fan fav among menstruators. Plus, when you wear our First Line Leak Proof Hipster Underwear, you can rest easy knowing that the extra absorbent fabric and snug fit will keep you feeling comfortable throughout your period. 

Like all of our period protection underwear, these are machine-washable and ideal for lighter days. These are made from OEKO-Tex Certified organic cotton to keep them comfy and five percent Spandex to ensure they’re stretchy. 

Period Underwear Works: Fashion and Wellness

Finding the perfect pair of period underwear can make menstruating a little easier. 

With these tips in mind and TomboyX in your corner, you can find a pair of period underwear for heavy flow without breaking a sweat. 


Sources:

What Is Period Underwear and Does It Work? | Cleveland Clinic 

Planet-Friendly Periods | STANFORD magazine 

Vaginal Odor: Types, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic

Postpartum Incontinence: Causes, Prevention, Treatment | Verywell Family

Periods (menstruation) | NHS inform